India, March 21 -- On the first day of a statewide special road safety enforcement drive in Odisha, a total of 17,831 e-challans were issued by 5 pm.

Official sources said fines amounting to 9.57 crore were imposed on violators under the Motor Vehicles Act. In addition, 64 vehicles were detained for serious breaches of traffic rules.Tourist Destinations

The drive, launched as per directives of Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, aims to curb traffic violations and reduce road accidents and fatalities, officials said.

The enforcement is being carried out jointly by the Transport Department, district administration and police, and will continue daily during morning and evening hours till March 31.

Alongside enforcement...